Craig
Leach

Live easy, live well in Byron Bay

Forget Surfers’ Paradise, Byron Bay is the place to go. Long renowned as the surfing capital of Australia, you’ll find time stands still here, letting you while away the days on the beach and in the ocean.

Life here is laidback and lazy should you so choose, or you can take the opportunity to rise with the larks and improve (or initiate) your surfing prowess. Byron hasn’t rested on its surfing laurels though and accommodation here is as five-star as its surf reputation. You’ll find luxury villas, hotels and upmarket restaurants for all your accommodation and dining needs – whether you are here with friends or family.

If you take time out from coffee shops and the life of the ocean, it’s well worth a trip to the most easterly point of the country and the Cape Byron lighthouse. A walk here will take around 45 minutes through rainforest and grassland, over beaches and on a cliff path. The views over the wonderful shorelines and panoramas are spectacular.

At the right time of the year, you might come across festivals like Bluesfest or the Latin Fiesta but no matter if not because this community thrives, and you are guaranteed a warm Australian welcome. The area around Byron is also characterful – small coastal villages and cultural towns mean a trip inland is interesting and educational. Adrenalin-fuelled adventures abound here – so, if you’re inclined to try, it won’t be hard to find a bungee jump or sky diving opportunity to offset the area’s relaxed lifestyle.